Dog fouling

Dog fouling spoils the environment, upsets local residents and can cause serious health risks, particularly to children. Pick up your dog's waste using a bag and put the dog waste in a rubbish bin. Please encourage your family and friends to do the same. It will help us keep County Durham clean.

What happens after I've reported dog fouling?

Our neighbourhood wardens will investigate and take the necessary action against the person. If a pavement or verge is badly fouled, we can arrange for the mess to be cleaned up and/or arrange for an officer to patrol the area in an effort to catch the offenders.

Help stop dog fouling issues

It takes very little time and effort to clean up after your dog and it is no defence to claim ignorance of the dog's actions. Always carry a 'poop-a-scoop' or bag when walking your dog and pick up after your pet. A carrier bag or nappy sack is all you need.

How to get rid of dog waste

Dog bins

We provide dog waste bins throughout County Durham, at locations such as parks, grass verges, pedestrian areas, footpaths, larger open spaces and coastal promenades. We regularly check dog bins and empty when required. You can also use any public litter bin to dispose of dog waste.

act as a friendly reminder to other dog walkers to clean up after their dog.

Responsible dog ownership

A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for dog control came into effect in County Durham on 1 June 2017. The Order encourages responsible dog ownership and allow us to take more enforcement action against irresponsible dog owners. See the Enforcement powers for irresponsible dog owners page for more details.